Dennis te Kloese: LA Galaxy Giving a 'Serious Try' to Sign Javier Hernandez
Jan 13, 2020
CAMARGO, SPAIN - JANUARY 12: Chicharito of Sevilla FC during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Um Escobedo v Sevilla at the Eusebio Arce on January 12, 2020 in Camargo Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Galaxy's general manager, Dennis te Kloese, has confirmed the club are in talks to sign Javier Hernandez from Sevilla.
Per Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times, Te Kloese said: "I think he could be good for us. We'll give it a serious try."
According to Baxter, a spokesperson for the club said they are in "advanced negotiations" with Sevilla regarding a transfer.
However, the spokesperson also branded a report from Marca, which stated Sevilla had agreed to a $10 million fee ahead of a meeting this week between Hernandez's camp and the Galaxy, "optimistic." They further confirmed that no such agreement over a fee is in place.
Los Angeles FC commentator Maximiliano Bretos had cast doubt on the move taking place earlier in January:
Chicharito has made it clear in past he doesn't want to come to MLS (at this time). West Ham, Sevilla....I don't think the money matters (as much) to him. I will add this to list of signings I would like to see, but won't.
However, ESPN's Sergio Dipp (h/t Tom Marshall of the same outlet) has reported the striker could be interested in making a move:
Chicharito is aware of @LAGalaxy rumors and "for the first time" is interested in move to @MLS, reports @SergioADippW. Sevilla hasn't given him any guarantees over playing time in 2nd half of season and the Mexican wants to be playing regularly at this stage of career. #eltrienghttps://t.co/s6ZZkcBpN1
Hernandez only joined Sevilla from West Ham United last summer, but he has found the net just three times in his first 15 appearances for the club.
The Mexico international has completed 90 minutes once this season, and he has only got on the pitch twice in La Liga since November 2, perhaps as a result of his somewhat uninspiring form.
Baxter suggested on Twitter that Sevilla could be open to letting him go:
More insight into Chicharito & a possible move to @LAGalaxy: He is a half-season into a 3-yr $9.7-million contract. Very much MLS numbers. Transfer fee for Sevilla was reportedly $8.55 million so expect asking price to be at least $10 million, He'll be 34 when contract ends
Sevilla could be motivated to make a deal. Monchi is famous for buying low - he got Chicharito from West Ham for a song, relatively speaking -- and selling quickly for a profit. Chicharito's not playing regularly. This isn't so far-fetched. Chicharito would help off the field too
Galaxy are in need of a new goalscorer after Zlatan Ibrahimovic departed at the end of last season.
The Swede notched 53 goals and 15 assists in 58 appearances for them, so his replacement will have big shoes to fill.
Since moving to Europe, Hernandez has only reached or surpassed 20 goals in two seasons: he netted 20 in his first at Manchester United in 2010-11, and 26 for Bayer Leverkusen in 2015-16.
Most recently, he netted 17 in 63 games for West Ham.
He's a ruthless goalscorer when given the right service, though, as he has shown for the Mexico national side with 52 goals in 109 appearances.
His compatriot, Carlos Vela, joined LAFC in 2018 on the back of 73 goals in 250 games for Real Sociedad. He has bagged 53 goals in 67 matches since moving to the United States, and there's no reason Hernandez couldn't do similar.
Monchi Reportedly Snubs Arsenal, Announces Return to Sevilla
Mar 17, 2019
VERONA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 08: As Roma Sport director Ramon Rodriguez Monchi looks on before the Serie A match between Chievo Verona and AS Roma at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi on February 8, 2019 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
Sevilla announced sporting director Monchi's return to the club on Sunday, bringing an end to speculation linking him with Arsenal.
The Andalusians took to social media to welcome back the 50-year-old:
"I don't want this to be a goodbye. I want this to be a see you soon"
The transfer wizard spent more than 15 years with the Andalusians during his first stint, becoming one of football's most revered directors for his incredible eye for talent.
He discovered the likes of Dani Alves, Ivan Rakitic, Carlos Bacca, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Grzegorz Krychowiak through his network of scouts. Most of those top players were sold for huge profits, fueling Sevilla's excellent performances in the UEFA Europa League.
Roma won the battle for his services in 2017, but the 50-year-old was unable to replicate his magic in Italy. The Giallorossi couldn't find adequate replacements for the likes of Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker and Radja Nainggolan and have suffered an inconsistent 2018-19 campaign as a result.
Manager Eusebio Di Francesco was sacked earlier in March following the club's UEFA Champions League elimination, and Monchi left the Italian capital soon after.
According to sports writer Charles Watts, Arsenal's focus will shift to Ajax director Marc Overmars:
Latest on Arsenal's technical director search now Monchi has opted for Sevilla - I understand Marc Overmars is very keen on a return to north London.
Overmars has done great work in the Netherlands, supplementing a talented young squad with savvy signings. Perhaps his biggest hit has been Dusan Tadic, who has turned into a superstar since leaving England for Amsterdam.
The Dutchman spent several seasons with the Gunners, winning the Premier League and FA Cup during his time in north London.
Sevilla Confirm 'Very Positive' Monchi Talks Amid Arsenal Rumours
Mar 15, 2019
FERRARA, ITALY - APRIL 21: Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo aka as Monchi Sporting Director of AS Roma looks on prior the beginning of the serie A match between Spal and AS Roma at Stadio Paolo Mazza on April 21, 2018 in Ferrara, Italy. (Photo by Mario Carlini / Iguana Press/Getty Images)
Sevilla sound confident about beating Arsenal to securing the services of Monchi after club president Jose Castro confirmed discussions are taking place with the renowned sporting director.
Castro detailed the talks on Friday, per Dan Sansom of Sky Sports: "Sevilla now need a sporting director and we have looked for the best, and the best is Monchi. Our conversations go well with him. The conversations have been very positive."
Bringing Monchi back to Sevilla would be a coup for Castro. It would also disrupt Arsenal's plans, as the Gunners are taking steps to hire the 50-year-old:
Arsenal have offered Monchi a three year contract worth £2.5m-a-year. He is their first and only choice. They are expecting him to arrive. Sevilla are now trying to get in at the 11th hour but that would take one hell of a U-turn and a lot of backing out.
Sevilla need the boost after showing manager Pablo Machin the door following Thursday's 6-5 aggregate defeat to Slavia Prague in the UEFA Europa League, per BBC Sport.
Bringing Monchi back to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium would generate excitement at a club seemingly adrift. He served as sporting director for 17 years before moving to AS Roma in 2017.
Reckon if Monchi was around, things would be different on two levels. Machín starts the season with a better squad and is backed properly in Jan. Secondly, he's generally given more time.
Monchi's spell in La Liga saw Sevilla win two UEFA Cups under manager Juande Ramos and three Europa League trophies with Unai Emery in the dugout. Both managers benefited from Monchi's astute eye for talent, which yielded bargain finds such as Frederic Kanoute, Dani Alves, Ivan Rakitic and Carlos Bacca.
Replicating the same magic in the Italian capital proved too much for Monchi, who stepped down earlier this month. Big-money signings like Javier Pastore didn't work out for the Spaniard, who initially ruled out a quick return to work despite heavy links to the Gunners:
Missing out on Monchi altogether would rate as an annoying setback for Arsenal. The north London club has been trying to hire some heavyweight scouting expertise since Sven Mislintat left after 14 months in the job as head of recruitment.
Monchi looks like an ideal fit thanks to his experience working with Gunners head coach Emery. However, Arsenal have other options, including Ajax executive Marc Overmars.
The Dutchman won the Premier League and FA Cup double as a key member of Arsene Wenger's squad in 1998. He's been linked with a return after developing several young talents in Amsterdam in recent years.
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 05: Marc Overmars celebrates victory after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Real Madrid and Ajax at Bernabeu on March 05, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Bringing Overmars back would ensure the Gunners continue to promote attractive football and a fidelity to building through youth. Both were key tenants for 22 years before Emery replaced Wenger last summer.
Ironically, Emery's predecessor would also be an exceptional choice for a sporting director role. Wenger once ridiculed the title, but he has reportedly been considered for a similar role by Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite his misconceptions about the job, 69-year-old Wenger could surely handle unearthing talent for bargain fees, defining characteristics of his tenure. He prized spending within a club's means while still playing a progressive game, philosophies he could maintain while assisting Emery.
Winner of the Laureus Lifetime Achievement award, former Arsenal football team manager Arsene Wenger poses after receiving his award during the 2019 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony at the Sporting Monte-Carlo complex in Monaco on February 18, 2019. (
The Spaniard has been growing into the demands of replacing Wenger. He has Arsenal fourth in the Premier League and into the last eight of the Europa League.
Yet the Gunners' choice for technical director will do more than make Emery's job easier. It will also go a long way to determining the direction of the club in the immediate future.
Barcelona Confirm Munir El Haddadi Set to Join Sevilla in €1M Transfer
Jan 12, 2019
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 11: Munir El Haddadi of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Barcelona v Tottenham Hotspur at the Camp Nou on December 11, 2018 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Barcelona have confirmed forward Munir El Haddadi will join Sevilla for €1.05 million after seven years at the Camp Nou.
Sevilla announced the transfer will be completed pending a medical for the Madrid-born attacker, who will represent his fourth club in La Liga if he moves to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan:
[BREAKING NEWS] Agreement with Sevilla for transfer of Munir El Haddadi
Munir will leave Catalonia after making 56 senior appearances for Barcelona, although he managed only 11 first-team outings this season (five starts).
The 23-year-old spent the 2016-17 campaign on loan at Valencia and moved to Alaves on identical terms last season before beginning this campaign at Barcelona under Ernesto Valverde.
Sevilla are signing a player who was once tipped for major accolades in La Liga, and Samuel Marsden hoped for the one-time capped Spain international to recapture some of his former potential:
Munir to Sevilla now official, Barca get €1m for a player who could have left for free in the summer. A sad(ish) ending to what was once a promising career at Camp Nou. Would be nice to see him kick on.
Munir won La Liga with the Blaugrana on two occasions, as well as winning the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup in 2015. He was also the joint-top scorer in the 2015-16 Copa del Rey when Barca ran to that season's title.
Barcelona manager Valverde previously spoke about Munir's chances of a move away from the club:
🔊 Valverde: "It appears that Munir has made a decision, the Club also. The sooner a solution is found, the better. If it can be resolved in the winter transfer market, all the better." pic.twitter.com/0Wk0Vjbx5m
As well as being able to play up front, Munir can play in a number of wide roles and will seek to help Sevilla clinch Champions League qualification, with the club third in La Liga and seven points off leaders Barca.
Sevilla Boss Says Signing Alvaro Morata from Chelsea Would Be a 'Blessing'
Jan 9, 2019
Chelsea's Spanish forward Alvaro Morata poses for a family picture during the UEFA Europa League Group L football match between MOL Vidi FC and Chelsea on December 13, 2018 in Budapest. (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP) (Photo credit should read ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP/Getty Images)
Sevilla manager Pablo Machin believes signing striker Alvaro Morata from Chelsea in the January transfer window would be a "blessing" for his side.
The Spaniard has struggled for goals this season with the Blues, but Machin says he would be happy to bring him to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, according to Darren Lewis at the Mirror:
"A problem? Not at all; having Morata would be a bloody blessing for me. Many teams want him, because he's worth it. The aim of the club is clear: We want to bring the best in. If due to finances it can't go ahead, nobody can feel frustrated. If we can't, we will lower the bar a bit."
Morata has managed five goals this season in 16 Premier League appearance (11 starts) and is "desperate" to leave Stamford Bridge, according to Simon Johnson at the Evening Standard.
The striker only arrived at Chelsea in July 2017 but has never managed to cement a regular place in the first team.
Vaishali Bhardwaj at the Evening Standard highlighted the striker's recent difficulties:
Morata is really struggling out there right now. He had one chance at goal - a rather tame header that Steele superbly kept out - but Sarri looks frustrated every time he decides against going for goal and instead passes to someone else. Hazard is now being brought on. #CFC
The 26-year-old described the end to his first season in English football as a "disaster" and said he "considered returning to Spain or Italy," per Goal's Ronan Murphy.
He's also endured a tough second season and has been forced out of the first team. Manager Maurizio Sarri has favoured using winger Eden Hazard as a false nine rather than play Morata in recent games.
Morata has also been hindered by some niggling injuries. He was forced off with a knee injury in the UEFA Europa League clash against Vidi in December. He also missed Chelsea's Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur due to a hamstring problem, per James Dutton for MailOnline.
Chelsea will allow Morata to leave in January, but only if they secure a replacement, according to Matt Law at the Daily Telegraph.
Journalist Guillem Balague says Sevilla have competition for Morata:
'Morata's agent has reached an agreement with Sevilla. But there is also an agreement with Atletico Madrid.'@GuillemBalague with a very interesting update on the future of the #CFC striker. pic.twitter.com/lFVCROaX36
The striker began his senior career at Real Madrid. He left Los Blancos in 2014 for a spell with Juventus but returned to the Santiago Bernabeu for a season prior to signing for Chelsea.
Morata's suitors are enjoying strong seasons in La Liga. Atletico Madrid are second in the table, while Sevilla are just two points behind in third place.
The striker's unhappy spell at Chelsea looks as though it may come to an end in January if Chelsea can secure a replacement, and he will hope he can reignite his career back in La Liga.
Sevilla director of football Joaquin Caparros has confirmed the club are interested in Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata and says the Spaniard is open to joining them.
However, he believes reaching a deal with the Blues will be difficult because of the costs involved.
Caparros told Sevilla's club media on Tuesday (h/t Football Espana): "We are interested in Morata, but it is a very complicated operation due to his cost. The player wants to come here over other options, but the negotiation with Chelsea will be very complicated."
Eduardo Fernandez-Abascal of ESPN later reported that Morata's agent has travelled to London to discuss a potential loan to Sevilla.
Chelsea signed Morata from Real Madrid in 2017 for €65 million (£58.4 million), so they'll want to recoup as much of that as possible if they're to let him go permanently.
According to AS, (h/t Football Espana) the deal could take the form of a loan until the end of the season, but Sevilla would not be obliged to make the move permanent.
On Saturday, the Spaniard scored his eighth and ninth goals of the campaign as he converted a pair of Callum Hudson-Odoi crosses to fire the Blues to a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
Despite netting the brace, the forward appeared visibly unhappy at Stamford Bridge, per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey:
I know strikers don't enjoy missing chances or barren spells, but Morata doesn't even seem to enjoy scoring for Chelsea anymore #cfc
On Tuesday, he was not available for Chelsea's trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final—a game Spurs won 1-0—but Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard noted the timing of his absence:
Told #Morata genuinely hurt his knee playing for #cfc on Saturday but the timing still feels significant in light of interest from abroad. #Sevilla#ACMilan
Morata contributed to two league and cup doubles during his time with Juventus and scored 20 goals for Real Madrid in the 2016-17 season, in which they won La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, so he's clearly not without talent.
His switch to Chelsea has not worked out, though, so a move away could help him get back to his best.
Sevilla haven't struggled for goals this season—only Barcelona have more than their 31 in La Liga—and strike partnership Wissam Ben Yedder and Andre Silva have 24 goals between them in all competitions.
Nevertheless, Morata could be a useful addition to their side as they aim to secure a top-three finish and win the UEFA Europa League for the fourth time since 2014.
